Advice on getting signed.

[nowaysj]

Just glad I could help out.

[Electric_Head]

Just glad I could help out.

how is that help?
suggesting a washable pen for a permanent solution???

[Sonika]

You could always try phantom hertz as well. Sick guys

true that

[Sneuflakes]

Change your name to Dubtaco

[JTMMusicuk]

Just glad I could help out.

how is that help?
suggesting a washable pen for a permanent solution???

i think i have been taken for a ride, i am quite frankly appauled

[nowaysj]

Back in the day we used sharpies, I really have no idea what you kids are using now.

[Electric_Head]

Back in the day we used sharpies, I really have no idea what you kids are using now.

I cut myself

[DistinctDub]

What are some realistic labels to send some dark/deep/dungeon tracks to?

Circus records and OWSLA

Haha

What are some realistic labels to send some dark/deep/dungeon tracks to?

Do some research, a quick google search will tell you

Also, did you check out the link to the other "how to get signed" thread I linked you to? A lot of stellar advice on there, in fact some big names like Killawatt came on that thread and gave their $0.02

Yes, thanks for linking; some very good stuff in there

What are some realistic labels to send some dark/deep/dungeon tracks to?

Fent Plates
Sub Lab
Orientis
Methodology
Macabre Unit
Innamind


Some of the ones off the top of my head.

Have a listen to what theyve put out and pick the 3 youre feeling most, send them three songs each and hope for the best /myadvice.

Thanks!

[Sharmaji]

what exactly entails "getting signed" in dubstep these days? getting your tunes on beatport? in all seriousness, I'm curious. it's a different world than back in the day, aiming to get your stuff on rinse, etc.

as is always the case though, write a lot of good music, pick the 3 best tunes you've got, send them to DJ's and labels who are ACTIVELY looking for new material. Most DJ's always are; most labels are not. Labels are besieged by a glut of mediocre material at all times, and lumping yourself in with that wash will never help. build either a personal relationship with folks, or a reputation as a producer, and that will open doors.

you have to actively do this; no one is going to get "discovered." Even burial was sending his tunes out back in 05.

If you have to ask on the internets where to send tunes, then you're most likely not ready to be sending out tunes. do your research BEFORE you get out in the marketplace.

at every step, make it easy for folks on the other end. submit the right tunes to the right labels, have them properly labeled, respond to emails, FOLLOW UP (things always get sidetracked and someone politely following up helps enormously), etc.

and then once you get a tune signed.... do it again. and again, and again...

also do lots of remixes. You should theorhetically be able to knock out a remix a week; it's a great way to build contacts and connections, as well as hone your skills.

[skanky beats]

personal hygiene is a top priority!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mad_EP]

what exactly entails "getting signed" in dubstep these days? getting your tunes on beatport? in all seriousness, I'm curious. it's a different world than back in the day, aiming to get your stuff on rinse, etc.

as is always the case though, write a lot of good music, pick the 3 best tunes you've got, send them to DJ's and labels who are ACTIVELY looking for new material. Most DJ's always are; most labels are not. Labels are besieged by a glut of mediocre material at all times, and lumping yourself in with that wash will never help. build either a personal relationship with folks, or a reputation as a producer, and that will open doors.

you have to actively do this; no one is going to get "discovered." Even burial was sending his tunes out back in 05.

If you have to ask on the internets where to send tunes, then you're most likely not ready to be sending out tunes. do your research BEFORE you get out in the marketplace.

at every step, make it easy for folks on the other end. submit the right tunes to the right labels, have them properly labeled, respond to emails, FOLLOW UP (things always get sidetracked and someone politely following up helps enormously), etc.

and then once you get a tune signed.... do it again. and again, and again...

also do lots of remixes. You should theorhetically be able to knock out a remix a week; it's a great way to build contacts and connections, as well as hone your skills.

^^^^
Real Talk. (to young'uns just starting out - HEED that advice!)


Earlier in the thread I was going to pontificate about the validity of a thread about "How To Get Signed" where much of the advice was being given by people who aren't signed. But then again, I am looking at it from an old-school point of view. Even if a contract wasn't signed between artist & label, there used to be an agreement about a commitment for ongoing physical releases... and even (!!!) advances! I remember I used part of the first advance I ever got (for my debut 12") was to buy a turntable, cos I didn't have one at the time.

Sharmaji is completely correct in asking what does it mean to be signed today? To those who are just coming up now (16-20): what are you looking for in a label? What are your expectations and what do hope to achieve from being "signed"? To us older, crusty geriatrics - it means something very different. I've put out tons of records on all sorts of labels, but I have only considered myself "signed" to a couple of them.

[deadly_habit]

what exactly entails "getting signed" in dubstep these days? getting your tunes on beatport? in all seriousness, I'm curious. it's a different world than back in the day, aiming to get your stuff on rinse, etc.

as is always the case though, write a lot of good music, pick the 3 best tunes you've got, send them to DJ's and labels who are ACTIVELY looking for new material. Most DJ's always are; most labels are not. Labels are besieged by a glut of mediocre material at all times, and lumping yourself in with that wash will never help. build either a personal relationship with folks, or a reputation as a producer, and that will open doors.

you have to actively do this; no one is going to get "discovered." Even burial was sending his tunes out back in 05.

If you have to ask on the internets where to send tunes, then you're most likely not ready to be sending out tunes. do your research BEFORE you get out in the marketplace.

at every step, make it easy for folks on the other end. submit the right tunes to the right labels, have them properly labeled, respond to emails, FOLLOW UP (things always get sidetracked and someone politely following up helps enormously), etc.

and then once you get a tune signed.... do it again. and again, and again...

also do lots of remixes. You should theorhetically be able to knock out a remix a week; it's a great way to build contacts and connections, as well as hone your skills.

^^^^
Real Talk. (to young'uns just starting out - HEED that advice!)


Earlier in the thread I was going to pontificate about the validity of a thread about "How To Get Signed" where much of the advice was being given by people who aren't signed. But then again, I am looking at it from an old-school point of view. Even if a contract wasn't signed between artist & label, there used to be an agreement about a commitment for ongoing physical releases... and even (!!!) advances! I remember I used part of the first advance I ever got (for my debut 12") was to buy a turntable, cos I didn't have one at the time.

Sharmaji is completely correct in asking what does it mean to be signed today? To those who are just coming up now (16-20): what are you looking for in a label? What are your expectations and what do hope to achieve from being "signed"? To us older, crusty geriatrics - it means something very different. I've put out tons of records on all sorts of labels, but I have only considered myself "signed" to a couple of them.

this

[DistinctDub]

Thanks for replying to my question guys. Basically, the reason I want to get signed is so that I can distribute my music to a larger audience; at the moment I have around 600 followers on Soundcloud and now I want to step up my game. Thanks for your advice Sharmaji & Mad EP

[ehbes]

Dude 600 is a good amount....

[garethom]

Dude 600 is a good amount....

A good amount, but meaningless. At the moment I've got 13,852. I estimate about 200 of those actually care about the tunes I put up.

[ehbes]

Dude 600 is a good amount....

A good amount, but meaningless. At the moment I've got 13,852. I estimate about 200 of those actually care about the tunes I put up.

Well I was assuming he meant 600 actual listeners...

[hutyluty]

Dude 600 is a good amount....

A good amount, but meaningless. At the moment I've got 13,852. I estimate about 200 of those actually care about the tunes I put up.

how did you get 13000??

[AxeD]

Dude 600 is a good amount....

A good amount, but meaningless. At the moment I've got 13,852. I estimate about 200 of those actually care about the tunes I put up.

Well I was assuming he meant 600 actual listeners...

Have you seen soundcloud The majority doesn't listen, there's even businesses to help you get more followers I believe.

what exactly entails "getting signed" in dubstep these days? getting your tunes on beatport? in all seriousness, I'm curious. it's a different world than back in the day, aiming to get your stuff on rinse, etc.

as is always the case though, write a lot of good music, pick the 3 best tunes you've got, send them to DJ's and labels who are ACTIVELY looking for new material. Most DJ's always are; most labels are not. Labels are besieged by a glut of mediocre material at all times, and lumping yourself in with that wash will never help. build either a personal relationship with folks, or a reputation as a producer, and that will open doors.

you have to actively do this; no one is going to get "discovered." Even burial was sending his tunes out back in 05.

If you have to ask on the internets where to send tunes, then you're most likely not ready to be sending out tunes. do your research BEFORE you get out in the marketplace.

at every step, make it easy for folks on the other end. submit the right tunes to the right labels, have them properly labeled, respond to emails, FOLLOW UP (things always get sidetracked and someone politely following up helps enormously), etc.

and then once you get a tune signed.... do it again. and again, and again...

also do lots of remixes. You should theorhetically be able to knock out a remix a week; it's a great way to build contacts and connections, as well as hone your skills.

^^^^
Real Talk. (to young'uns just starting out - HEED that advice!)


Earlier in the thread I was going to pontificate about the validity of a thread about "How To Get Signed" where much of the advice was being given by people who aren't signed. But then again, I am looking at it from an old-school point of view. Even if a contract wasn't signed between artist & label, there used to be an agreement about a commitment for ongoing physical releases... and even (!!!) advances! I remember I used part of the first advance I ever got (for my debut 12") was to buy a turntable, cos I didn't have one at the time.

Sharmaji is completely correct in asking what does it mean to be signed today? To those who are just coming up now (16-20): what are you looking for in a label? What are your expectations and what do hope to achieve from being "signed"? To us older, crusty geriatrics - it means something very different. I've put out tons of records on all sorts of labels, but I have only considered myself "signed" to a couple of them.

When I'm confident about my material I'd like it if people listen to it. Then regularly get gigs.
Don't care whether I'm signed to a label or not, I'd like to be working with a supportive booking agency.

[Mad_EP]

Soundcloud is great for hosting your stuff for free.

It is terrible for gauging what kind of promotional reach you have. I treat every shared track that crosses my way the same I do emails about penis enlargement pills. Soundcloud could have been a good idea... then idiots started "private sharing" tracks to 10,000 people. And then they started posting comments on my tracks saying "Awesome - you should check out my tracks at http://www.soundcloud.com/iamadouchebag".

So yeah - when I forget my log-in to the other 7253 free social media music sites I belong to , I might upload something new to Soundcloud - or if someone I know wants to slide me something on the down-lo it is cool... but other than that... I just don't see the point.

[JTMMusicuk]

Soundcloud is great for hosting your stuff for free.

It is terrible for gauging what kind of promotional reach you have. I treat every shared track that crosses my way the same I do emails about penis enlargement pills. Soundcloud could have been a good idea... then idiots started "private sharing" tracks to 10,000 people. And then they started posting comments on my tracks saying "Awesome - you should check out my tracks at http://www.soundcloud.com/iamadouchebag".

So yeah - when I forget my log-in to the other 7253 free social media music sites I belong to , I might upload something new to Soundcloud - or if someone I know wants to slide me something on the down-lo it is cool... but other than that... I just don't see the point.

what would you say are the better sites to promote yourself on?